I'm going to need to vote for Pinisi's Bakery on East 4th St. Those are my favorites. Also, if you live near a grocery store where they sell David's Cookies, that company makes a surprisingly decent rainbow cookie.

You are going to have to trust me on this one, because it requires a real effort. Growing up, these were my favorite cookies and a few years ago, I compared my favorite with all the big name Italian pastry shops in Manhattan. None compare to a place in Brooklyn on Avenue N in flatbush. Palermo Pastry Shop, its 5517 Avenue N, at the corner of East 55th Street.

The cookies have no sprinkles, they are incredibly moist, made on the premises and have all the right flavors. I make a special trip out there for them at least twice a year, usually around the holidays - they are that good.